David: The Fugitive Lion

Copyright © 2018 Polly McBee Hutchison.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-4351-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4352-9 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 02/28/2018

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 1

David strode across the trackless wilderness of Judea. This was the second day since he had left the Philistine city of Gath. He had gone there planning on offering his sword to King Achish’s service, only to discover he was trapped in an enemy stronghold. He smiled grimly as he remembered the mob screaming for his death and faintly hearing a voice shouting, He must be mad to come here. That voice had reminded him that the Philistines considered madmen to be touched by their gods. He had pretended to be insane, and although he strongly suspected King Achish realized what he was doing, he had been thrust from the city with enough food and water to get him to Judah.

Trecking through the wilderness gave him time to reflect on his life. He was only twenty and had already experienced more than most men do in a lifetime. It seemed like only yesterday that he and his nephew, Abishai, had been tending sheep and dreaming of becoming great military heros. They had planned on joining the army when David turned eighteen. Abishai being two years younger wouldn’t have been able to serve as a soldier, so he would have been David’s armor bearer. Instead by the age of eighteen David had been promoted to Captain over a Thousand, and Abishai had become his armor bearer at fourteen.

David had been promoted, not because he was thought capable of handling that position, but so he would be killed in battle because King Saul perceived him a threat to his throne and wanted him dead. Thanks to the efforts of Jonathan, King Saul’s eldest son and David’s dear friend, his one thousand had been composed of the mightest Captains over a Hundred in the army. Instead of dying, David became a national hero.

King Saul’s next move was for Davod to marry his youngest daughter, Mi-chal, which was to put to rest the king’s worries about David’s threat to the throne. However, that hadn’t worked, either, and he had been forced to escape out of a side window to avoid being arrested and executed. David had fled alone, as Abishai was quartered inside Saul’s fortress in Gibeah, and his older nephew, Joab, was still serving in the army, learning strategy from Saul’s Commander-in-Chief, Abner.

As the miles passed under his feet, David thought back to the friendship that had formed between himself, Abishai, Jonathan and Uri, Jonathan’s childhood friend. They had fought together, and until David had been given his first command had shared a tent. David’s amber eyes lit with amusement when he remembered the time Jonathan and Uri had thrown him into a stream, and how that dunking had become a source of repeated threats and laughter.

As the ground rose toward the brush and tree covered heights, David decided he must be getting close to the Cave of Adullam, where he hoped to find one of the bands of men who hid in the Judean hills as outlaws. He had decided his best move would be to join one of those groups, and as Adullam was the closest to Gath, this seemed the best place to begin his search.

Following the faint path through the dense brush and trees near the cave entrance, suddenly he was confronted by two rough-looking men. Their dark hair and beards were unkempt, tangled and matted. Their eyes looked more animal than human, and their clothing was tattered and dirty. David decided his skills at self-preservation needed improving, because he should have smelled them before they appeared.

He stopped, and was aware two more men had come up behind him. He remained at ease as he decided they would already have attacked if they meant to harm him.

What do you want here, friend? the biggest of the two in front of him smiled, displaying several rotting teeth.

I seek shelter and a haven from those pursuing me, David replied.

Looking David over, the shaggy outlaw saw a very young man, a little shorter than usual, with auburn hair and a red beard, dressed in a simple tunic, obviously no real threat. Well you’ve come to the right place. However, you must meet with Obed’s approval. He’s our leader. Hand over your weapons, the man held out a hand.

David unfastened the sling from his belt, placing it in the man’s hand, who threw it on the ground, growling, Are you trying to make a fool of me?

David picked up the sling, replying, That is my only weapon.

A fine help you’re going to be. I suppose you think we have arms to spare for everyone who comes our way, the man grumbled. Then turning commanded, Follow me.

David walked behind the man, his keen eye picking out the guards, and his mind deciding the defenses here were totally inadequate should they be attacked.

They entered the cave, where a fire was burning, five men sitting around it. The largest, a dark hairy bear of a man, looked up and growled, What do we have here?

He says he’s on the run, and has come here for shelter. The only weapon he has is a sling, David’s guide responded.

The large, unkempt man at the fire looked David over and spit contemptuously.

So, now we are taking in shepherds, are we? What did you do, steal one of your flock? The men around the fire snickered.

Actually, I didn’t do anything, David replied. I’ve been driven from my home and my life threatened for no apparent reason.

Oh, yes, we all know about that, Obed replied sarcastically. All of us are innocent of wrongdoing, as well. You will feel right at home.

The leader indicated that David could join the men around the fire. David slung his pack against the wall and sat down, looking over his new comrades carefully. The ones around the fire looked as unwholesome as those who had brought him into the camp.

Did you bring any provisions with you? Obed asked, his eyes straying to David’s pack.

No, I’m afraid I ate the last of my food last night.

Well, no matter, we will go down to Socoh tomorrow and take what we need, Obed grinned at the men around him, who nodded their heads in vigorous agreement.

That doesn’t seem to be a very smart thing to do, David replied casually.

What do you mean? Obed growled ominously.

I mean, you are all hunted men, if you raid the villages around here you will turn the people against you. Sooner or later they will protest and the King will send soldiers, or the villagers themselves will unite to drive you away.

And what do you suggest we do? Go down and beg them for charity? How far do you think that will get us?

As Obed looked around for their support the men again snickered.

I would think you could earn the gratitude of the people by protecting what they have from predators, and then when you asked, they would be willing to give to you.

That is what you think, is it? You’ve just arrived and already you’re telling me how to run things. I suppose guarding sheep has given you special leadership abilities.

I’ve had a little more experience in leadership than that, David replied casually, I dare say I have more experience than you.

Is that so my cocky young friend, Obed’s face turning red with anger. Well, I’ll have you know I was Captain over Fifty in Saul’s army. What do you say to that?

I say I was Captain over a Thousand.

And I say you lie, Obed shouted. No one as young as you was ever Captain over a Thousand.

One of the men leaned over, grabbing Obed’s arm, pulling him back to his seat, saying, Obed, there was one young Captain over a Thousand, David. The last time I was in Socoh there were rumors that he had disappeared and Saul was trying to kill him.

All the men looked David over carefully, as Obed threw off his companion’s arm, Bah, does he look like David? They call him the Lion of Judah. Look at him, do you think David would be seen in shepherd’s garb, he doesn’t even have a weapon.

The man beside Obed asked uncertainly, Are you David?

Yes.

Of course he would claim to be David, Obed responded his voice growing louder. Now you’ve brought it up, he thinks by being clever he can take over the band. Well I earned the leadership by right of combat, and I’m not turning it over to some boy who happens to come in asking for it. If you are David, you should be able to beat me in a fair fight. Obed’s eyes gleamed dangerously. Are you afraid to meet me, pretty boy?

David rose gracefully to his feet, looking around at the other men. One of you will have to lend me a sword.

Quickly, the man next to Obed drew his sword, passing it to David. It was a fine weapon, but had been sadly neglected. Without a word, David walked out of the cave. As soon as the men outside saw the weapon in his hand, they knew what was coming and soon the small band gathered around to watch their burly leader hack this young upstart to pieces.

Obed exited the cave, stretching and yawning, making a show of how bored he was. David swiftly looked over the terrain where they would be fighting, satisfying himself there were no large stones or roots to trip an unwary foot. Obed crouched beckoning David to begin the attack.

David smiled grimly replying, I think not. You can come to me you blundering ox. Why did you leave the army? The training too difficult for you?

With a roar Obed charged, his sword high over his head. He brought it down with all his strength, but David’s sword was there to meet the blow. David, expecting the shock was braced for it. Obed’s sword flew from numbed fingers, landing a few feet away.

Apparently thinking David meant to kill his opponent, one of the men cried, No! and with his own sword raised attacked he from behind.

With a fluid movement, David whirled and again parried the blow. While he was fighting the second man, Obed retrieved his sword, and seemingly unconcerned about fair play, joined in the fight.

It seemed more like a dance than a skirmish as moving easily, David would parry first one thrust, then the other. It was soon apparent that he was merely toying with his clumsy opponents. There were several times when he easily could have killed them both, but he was content merely to parry their blows. Soon they both were gasping for breath, and their blows were coming slower and with much less force.

Suddenly, without warning, David made two rapid movements, and his opponents’ weapons went flying from their hands. Turning away from them, David returned his sword to its owner, who receiving it dropped to his knees, saying,

I am Bealiah, and if you will have me, I will be your man, Lord.

David reached out a hand raising him to his feet. I will have you, Bealiah. Then turning to the band of men standing with open mouths, he stated loudly,

I am David of Bethlehem, sometimes known as the Hero of Elah and the Lion of Judah. I am fleeing from Saul, but I will not war on my own people. If you wish to follow me, you will have to obey my orders without question or argument. I will expect you to clean yourselves and act like men, not wild animals. If you do not wish to follow me you may leave Adullam now.

He watched as the men stood a few moments, looking at each other trying to decide what to do. Obed settled matters by retrieving his sword and going up to David, stating, Everything I’ve heard of you is true. I never thought I would ever have a chance to serve under someone like you.

David was amused as the men then clustered around him, apparently amazed that someone they had only known through story and legend had suddenly appeared to become their leader.

Turning to Bealiah, David stated, I have a mission for you. I want you to go to Saul’s Fortress at Gibeah and ask for Abishai. Tell him I am here, waiting for him to join me. Also tell him to bring me a sword.

Bealiah did his best to give a military salute, I’ll leave at once, Captain.

Bealiah, before you leave wash yourself and trim your hair and beard, they won’t allow you near the gate at Gibeah looking as you do now.

Bealiah looking sheepish hurried away. David gazed thoughtfully at his new command. They were a motley looking lot, and although for the moment he had won them over, he would not rest secure until his nephew, Abishai arrived to cover his back as he’d been doing since he was fourteen.

Obed approached, If we are not going to steal food, how are we going to eat?

For the present two of you can go to my father, Jesse, in Bethlehem. He will give us enough provisions to last until we can gain the support of the surrounding villages. Obed, you select the men to send. Have them clean up and I will give them a message for my father, so he will know they come from me.

- - - - -

David immediately set about whipping his small force into shape. First he had them clean themselves,